The former Sauber team underwent a transition after being purchased by Audi, officially adopting the brand in 2022. This marked a significant shift in the team’s direction, culminating in the development of a new power unit at their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany. Gabriel Bortoleto, who made his F1 debut in 2025 with the former Kick Sauber team, has now taken the next step in his career with Audi.

Qualifying Performance at the Australian Grand Prix

On March 7, 2026, Bortoleto qualified 10th in Q1 and Q2 at the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing his potential in the new environment. His qualifying time in Q2 was 1:20.221, which was competitive, but he faced a drive issue that prevented him from completing Q3. His teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, qualified just behind him in 11th place with a time of 1:20.303.

Reactions to the Qualifying Results

After the qualifying session, Bortoleto expressed his satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working.” He acknowledged the disappointment of not being able to participate in Q3, emphasizing that it would have been a just reward for the team’s hard work.

Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure in the team, remarked, “Qualifying was extremely encouraging for the team, and seeing Gabi reach Q3 in Audi’s first race is a special moment for everyone involved.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding Bortoleto’s debut and the team’s future prospects.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, observers are eager to see how Bortoleto will adapt to the challenges of Formula 1 with Audi. He has already shown impressive potential, and his performance in Melbourne is seen as a promising start. Bortoleto himself commented, “I’m impressed that we have been able to go in the right direction and hopefully we keep going.” The team is expected to continue refining their performance as they build on this initial experience.

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